Marie Maynard Daly

In honor of Black History Month, The Cardinal will feature prominent and/or historical Black Americans, living or dead, who have worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes who deserve recognition, but all have made contributions to make society a better place.

Adilene Sosa, Staff Writer

February 12, 2026

Marie Maynard Daly was born on April 16, 1921 in Queen, New York. She was academically encouraged by her mother at an early age.

She went to Hunter College High School, which was an all women’s institution and a school that is incredibly hard to get into. Hunter College High School admitted students accepted students depending on their merit. After Hunter College High School, she enrolled at Queens College in Flushing, New York. She graduated in 1942 with several honors and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Daly took a job in the chemistry department in Queens after her graduation. She used the income from that position and many fellowships to go on with her graduate education. In just one year, she completed her master’s degree at New York University.

In 1947, Daly became the first woman of color to receive a PhD in chemistry in the US. By linking high cholesterol to heart disease, she made foundational contributions to cardiovascular science.She managed significant research on proteins, sugar, and cholesterol. While working on her research, she was also dedicated to beginning programs to expand the participation of minority students in medical schools and graduate science programs.

Daly shaped national policy for minority women in science and carried out initiatives that grew minority access to STEM graduate programs in New York.She broke crucial racial and gender barricades as the first African American woman to earn a PhD in chemistry in the US. Daly was an open biochemist and was the first African American woman to earn a PhD.

From Marie’s accomplishments, the world can learn that with certain barriers, if and when it’s done right, those barriers can be overcome. She herself faced racial and gender discrimination, but still accomplished educational brilliance. Another thing the world can learn is that with the right education, anyone can accomplish anything.

About the Contributor

Adilene Sosa, Staff Writer

Adilene Sosa is a junior at Hoover High School in the VAPA academy. She enjoys watching all kinds of movies and shows but mostly prefers comedy and horror movies. Her favorite band is Queen. She enjoys camping, visiting her aunt in Riverside and going to Julian with her family. Her favorite colors are navy blue, cherry red, black and dark purple. She mostly likes listening to music and helping her brother cook. Her favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla. When she gets older she hopes to become a veterinarian, nurse or a teacher to help others and contribute to society. Adilene also hopes to travel when she gets older. Something she is most proud of is how her family has grown and even though they may argue from time to time, they still get along. She hopes to someday help her family get a house big enough for all of them. Something she hates most is when something gets overrated. She hopes to go to Mexico soon to meet with the rest of her family to really get to know them and visit her grandparents, who she never got to meet in person. Adilene hopes to meet people who will help her succeed in her goals and will only make her life happier and enjoyable. She hopes for a healthy and active future. Even though she knows things might take a drastic turn, she only wants to help others as well as herself to fix whatever goes wrong.